San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, center, huddles up with his teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, center, huddles up with his teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

Image 2 of 40

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross ... more

Image 3 of 40

Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) looks to pass under pressure from San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) less

Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) looks to pass under pressure from San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in ... more

Image 4 of 40

San Francisco 49ers' Alex Smith (11) celebrates his second touchdown pass of the game against the Arizona Cardinals with Alex Boone, left, during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) less

San Francisco 49ers' Alex Smith (11) celebrates his second touchdown pass of the game against the Arizona Cardinals with Alex Boone, left, during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, ... more

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) pulls in a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) pulls in a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, ... more

Photo: Paul Connors / Associated Press

Image 8 of 40

The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders line up during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders line up during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

Image 9 of 40

San Francisco 49ers fans cheer as the team enters the field during pre-game warm ups of an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona.

San Francisco 49ers fans cheer as the team enters the field during pre-game warm ups of an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona.

Photo: Ralph Freso / Getty Images

Image 10 of 40

Image 11 of 40

The Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers line up during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

The Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers line up during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Paul Connors / Associated Press

Image 12 of 40

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) hands off to San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) hands off to San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, ... more

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

Image 13 of 40

San Francisco 49ers fans cheer on their team prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers fans cheer on their team prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

Image 14 of 40

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and ESPN analyist Steve Young tosses a football prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and ESPN analyist Steve Young tosses a football prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

Image 15 of 40

Image 16 of 40

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) talks with San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh during warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals , Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) talks with San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh during warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals , Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in ... more

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

Image 17 of 40

Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers fans both cheer and applaude their teams during warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the , Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers fans both cheer and applaude their teams during warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the , Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

Image 18 of 40

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) pulls in a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) pulls in a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, ... more

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

Image 19 of 40

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh walks the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh walks the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

Image 20 of 40

Image 21 of 40

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) hands off against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) hands off against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

Image 22 of 40

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Paris Lenon during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Paris Lenon during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Paul Connors / Associated Press

Image 23 of 40

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) pulls in a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) pulls in a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, ... more

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

Image 24 of 40

San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) is tripped up against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) is tripped up against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Paul Connors / Associated Press

Image 25 of 40

Image 26 of 40

Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) looks to throw as San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. less

Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) looks to throw as San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in ... more

Photo: Paul Connors / Associated Press

Image 27 of 40

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith drinks during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith drinks during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

Image 28 of 40

The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Paul Connors / Associated Press

Image 29 of 40

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss (84) runs in a touchdown after a reception as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jamell Fleming (23) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss (84) runs in a touchdown after a reception as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jamell Fleming (23) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. ... more

Image 30 of 40

Image 31 of 40

The Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers line up during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

The Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers line up during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Image 32 of 40

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) less

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in ... more

Image 33 of 40

Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker O'Brien Schofield (50) lines up against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) less

Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker O'Brien Schofield (50) lines up against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul ... more

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) breaks the tackle of Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in ... more

Image 35 of 40

Image 36 of 40

A San Francisco 49ers helmet lies on the ground during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

A San Francisco 49ers helmet lies on the ground during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Image 37 of 40

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sidelines agaist the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) less

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sidelines agaist the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. ... more

Image 38 of 40

Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) is hurried by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) less

Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) is hurried by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP ... more

Image 39 of 40

San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore (21) runs with the ball prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore (21) runs with the ball prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

Image 40 of 40

49ers' defense shuts down Cardinals

1 / 40

Back to Gallery

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Cardinals arrived with the league’s 31st-ranked offense, the 49ers had the NFL’s top-ranked defense, and the results were predictable.

In a 24-3 romp over Arizona, San Francisco allowed 7 rushing yards, tying a team record set in 1972, collected four sacks and didn’t allow an opponent to score a touchdown for the fourth time in five games.

At halftime, the Cardinals had as many punts (four) as first downs, and quarterback John Skelton had a 33.2 rating.

There were several standouts: Linebacker Aldon Smith had two sacks, cornerback Chris Culliver defended five passes and had an interception, and safety Dashon Goldson placed a bone-jarring, second-half hit on wide receiver Early Doucet that head coach Jim Harbaugh said “Vince Lombardi would be proud of.”

Still, safety Donte Whitner highlighted another star, Vic Fangio.

“I honestly believe we have the best defensive coordinator in the National Football League,” Whitner said. “He’s a very smart guy, very prepared, and that’s why we played the way we played.”

Against an offensive line that had allowed a league-high 35 sacks, San Francisco eschewed blitzing and dropped defenders into coverage. The plan helped limit All-Pro wideout Larry Fitzgerald (five catches, 55 yards) to one reception for 13 yards in the first three quarters.

“We are for real,” cornerback Carlos Rogers said. “We have a pretty good defense. We can’t deny that.”

Gore’s ribs OK: Running back Frank Gore had 55 yards on 16 carries while playing with bruised ribs. Gore said the injury was particularly painful when he made certain moves. Gore expects to be back to full strength following the upcoming bye week.

“I felt good – there were certain movements” that hurt, he said. “But I decided to play and I didn’t think about it.”

Staley had pneumonia: Left tackle Joe Staley, questionable for Monday’s game because of an illness, said he had a case of bacterial pneumonia that caused him to lose about 10 pounds. Staley, who started, had a 104-degree temperature early in the week before practicing Friday and Saturday.

Briefly: Running back Brandon Jacobs was a healthy inactive. Jacobs made his debut with the 49ers in Week 7, but did not play. … Every member of the 49ers’ draft class on the 53-man roster was inactive: wide receiver A.J. Jenkins, running back LaMichael James, guard Joe Looney and safety Trenton Robinson. … Cardinals guard Adam Snyder, who played for the 49ers from 2005 through ’11, was inactive because of a quadriceps injury. Rich Ohrnberger, 26, made his first career start in place of Snyder.